Occupying a Full private region leveraging the available Land Capacity bonus, Timeless Seasons is a location designed by videographer Suzie Anderton as a place where visitors can – to quote the Destination Guide entry:
Experience the magic … and revel in wonders as you descend its hills. Gather loved ones for a journey through this kingdom uncovering cuddle spots, event venues, portals to the unknown, and a cavern system. Welcome to a realm where seasons unfold timeless experiences for you and your family.
All of which is a heady promise to fulfil, but the region does so quite admirably.
Presenting something of a south-to-north orientation, the region features tall uplands to the former which both step and flow down to northern lowlands, where a channel of water almost cuts the landscape in two, coming close to leaving an oval lake sitting within an island of its own.
This is a place which, whilst there are signs of human habitation, appears to be largely given over to the unspoiled beauty of nature. However, this is perhaps a little deceptive; the zip lines descending across the landscape from the highlands and the kayaks and boats down on the waters of the channel and lake reveal opportunities for fun and laughter which might break into the sense of serenity as they offer the more active visitor the chance for a little good-natured excitement.
Exploring the setting can be done either on foot or on horseback – there are several places throughout where a horse can be obtained, whilst those with their own wearable horses can always use those, if so minded. Those who really fancy a challenge can also grab a bicycle and use their pedal extremities as motive power – but to be honest, riding down the slopes from the north side of the island is not something I’d relish – and least, not without a parachute just in case!
The landing point is set mid-way down the southern highlands. Here, on a broad outthrust of rock extending away from the southern cliffs prior to itself falling away to the lands below, sits an impressive lodge. It presents itself as a place into which people can retreat for a game, time in a hot tub, an romantic meal or simply to rest in the bar lounge. Before it, and short walks from the landing point are the first of the bicycle and horse rezzers, whilst one of the region’s zip lines awaits the daring, as it drops away from a deck extending out over the sheer rock face fronting the lodge.
However, before being too quick to depart the lodge and start exploring, a wander around to the gardens behind the lodge is recommended, as it is within them that one of the setting’s little secrets is tucked away; a gated grotto with a mix of the magical and the romantic within, over which can also be found an outdoor space for entertainment and dancing.
Exactly how the latter is reached (save by teleporting) is a little unclear; there is a grassy path extending east which rolls upwards just beyond the wooden gazebo. However, it does not seem to connect with the dance area directly, but instead provides access to two further routes of exploration, both pointing westwards.
The first forms a rocky step directly behind and above the lodge’s garden, its southern side formed by vertical cliff walls from which water drops into a pool (and a subterranean channel, given the pool doesn’t overflow?) towards their western end, where the path become a broad grass slope tumbling gently down to the northern lowlands to offer a path along the banks of the water channel which cuts into the region.
The second path runs almost the entire width of the setting, sitting atop the high cliffs as it passes a further point where horses or bicycles might be obtained, before also turning north to follow a rocky / hilly shoulder of land as it descends down towards the lowlands to reach the little silver of land connecting the southern aspect of the region the ring of land surrounding the lake.
The land around the lake offers its own treats and places to explore, from the aforementioned boats and kayaks to little hideaways, a cosy beach, the opportunity to try one’s hand at slip boarding – and even conversing with the local centaurs! Places to sit and explore abound throughout, and those who wander the banks of the channel bordering the lake might spot another of the region’s secrets: the dark maw of a cavern mouth awaiting the adventurous (or curious!), one with perhaps a little touch of Smaug lying within.
Caught in an eternal spring afternoon, Timeless Seasons makes for a rewarding – and obviously photogenic – visit. With hewn rock signposts to help guide folk around it, lots of choice of both exploration and means of exploration or for just chilling and / or cuddling, the region is deserving of the time spent within it, and finished in a subtle soundscape.
SLurl Details
- Timeless Seasons (rated Moderate)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 